Branch Research Articles

First Molecular Identification and Clinical Presentation of Crenosomosis in a Dog from Slovakia

PurposeCrenosoma vulpis (Dujardin,1845) is a lungworm which has spread worldwide in canines and is associated with upper respiratory infections. In a majority of cases, the infections are accompanied with chronic cough. Diagnosis of lungworms is often underdiagnosed and can be misinterpreted as other respiratory diseases.MethodsThe Small Animal Clinic of the University Veterinary Hospital admitted an 11-month-old dog presented with persistent cough associated with difficulty in breathing and even asphyxia. Based on clinical symptoms, the patient underwent radiological and bronchoscopic examination. Bronchoscopy revealed the presence of lungworms obturating the branches of the tracheobronchial tree. Larvae were collected by bronchoscopic lavage and subjected to parasitological and molecular examination.ResultsMicroscopic detection and morphological identification of the worms removed during the bronchoscopy confirmed the presence of female adult worms. The subsequent molecular characterisation of the mitochondrial (cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene (cox1) and 12S ribosomal DNA (rDNA)), nuclear (18S rDNA) genes, as well as the analysis of the second internal transcribed spacer (ITS-2) region of the ribosomal DNA, confirmed the Crenosoma vulpis species. Faecal samples were processed using the Baermann method, which confirmed the presence of the larval stage 1 of C. vulpis. The therapy with fenbendazole at a dose of 50 mg/kg of live weight once daily for the period of 7 days was initiated for the patient.ConclusionThis paper presents the first molecularly confirmed clinical case of a Crenosoma vulpis infection in an 11-month-old female dog of the Miniature Schnauzer breed in Slovakia.

Optimization to identify the adapted product design and product adaptation process with initial evaluation of information quality in branches of AND-OR tree based on information entropy

Adaptable products are used to satisfy new customer requirements through changes of products such as upgrading of modules during their utilization stages. Compared with the creation of a new product from scratch, the process to adapt an existing product to a new one can result in savings for the customer. In this research, a new optimization approach to identify the adapted product design and product adaptation process is developed with initial evaluation of information quality in branches of AND-OR tree based on information entropy. In this approach, various candidates of design configurations and operation processes for adaptation of a product are modelled by an AND-OR tree with design and process nodes. Design and process nodes are further associated with design and process parameters. Optimization to identify the best adapted design and adaptation process is conducted at two levels: configuration/process optimization level and parameter optimization level. Information entropy is employed to evaluate the information quality of partial configuration/process candidates modelled as branches in the AND-OR tree to eliminate the branches that are unlikely to lead to the optimal solution for improvement of the optimization efficiency. A numerical example and an engineering application are developed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the newly introduced approach.

Effects of different proportions of fruit tree branches on nicotine content and microbial diversity during composting of tobacco waste

Adding fruit tree branches to the compost pile in appropriate proportions is one of the methods used to address the challenge of tobacco waste recycling. However, the effects of different proportions of fruit tree branches on nicotine concentration and microbial diversity during tobacco waste composting have not been reported. In this study, a composting system with tobacco waste, cow dung, and fruit tree branches was established in a laboratory fermenter to assess the impact of adding 10%, 20%, and 30% fruit tree branches on quantity changes. In addition, the relationships between nicotine degradation, compost properties, enzyme activities, and microbial diversities were determined using biochemical assay methods and high-throughput sequencing. The results showed that adding appropriate proportions of fruit branch segments affected changes in physical and chemical properties during composting and promoted tobacco waste compost maturity. Aerobic composting effectively degraded nicotine in tobacco waste. Increased proportions of fruit branch segments led to elevations in nicotine degradation rates and enzyme activities related to lignocellulose degradation. The addition of fruit branches influenced the relative abundance and species of dominant bacteria and fungi at the phylum and genus levels. However, it did not significantly affect the relative abundance of the main bacterial genera involved in nicotine degradation. Nevertheless, it reduced the sensitivity of enzyme activity to nicotine content within heaps, increasing reliance on total nitrogen changes. The results of this study provide a theoretical basis for the utilization of tobacco waste in composting systems and indicate that fruit tree branches can enhance nicotine degradation efficiency during tobacco waste composting.

Green Synthesis of Chitosan-Coated Silver Nanoparticles (Ch-AgNPs): Harnessing Nature for Sustainable and Safe Nanomaterial Production

The production of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using green synthesis methods promotes the use of environmentally friendly materials and facilitates a more sustainable production process by reducing environmental impact. In addition, combining the metal nanoparticles with biopolymers are getting important to enhance the safety profiles of formulations to determine the biological activities. With this concept, AgNPs were synthesized by green synthesis method from Betula spp. tree branches as reported previously by us and in current study, synthesized AgNPs were coated by one of biopolymer. Herein, Chitosan was used as capping and stabilizing agent. Characterization of the biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and Chitosan coated silver nanoparticles (Ch-AgNPs) were evaluated with various techniques. Through this analysis, it was elucidated that the phenolic compounds present in Betula extract and Chitosan played dual roles as both reducing and capping agents, facilitating the formation of Ch-AgNPs. Particular size analysis by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) indicated that the Ch-AgNPs ranged from 49 to 118 nm in size, with a narrow size distribution. X-Ray Differentiation (XRD) patterns confirmed the high crystallinity of the resulting particles. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis further supported these findings, revealing the involvement of phenolic compound extracts in both the formation and stabilization of AgNPs. Additionally, FTIR confirmed the surface modification of AgNPs by chitosan. The efficiency of surface modified Ch-AgNPs was compared with uncoated AgNPs for their antimicrobial activity, antiproliferative efficiency and biocompatibility. Cell culture studies demonstrated that AgNPs were less toxic to L929 cells while maintaining effective cytotoxicity against HT-29 cells. Moreover, surface modification with chitosan enhanced the toxicity of AgNPs against HT-29 cells Furthermore, the first synthesized and evaluated Ch-AgNPs with this study from Betula extract, exhibited potent antimicrobial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Our findings indicate that novel synthesized Ch-AgNPs formula may present a biocompatible and safety approach for further anticancer and antimicrobial studies.

Streptococcus Mitis Keratitis: A Case Report

66-years old female patient applied to our hospital’s emergency service with the complaint of an olive tree branch hitting her right eye. She had conjunctival hyperaemia, discharge, decreased vision and pain on her eye. In the ophthalmologic examination, visual acuity was measured as 0.1 on the right and 0.7 on the left eye. Biomicroscopic examination revealed a large, yellow-white keratitis center on superior cornea, hypopyon and an epithelial erosion which extended up to superior limbus. Ocular ultrasonography was normal. Corneal scraping sampling was made for direct microscopic examination and culture to determine the etiological agent.

Effect of Reaction Conditions on Energy Yield of Pyrolysis Gas from Apple Tree Branches.

Although the annual branches of apple trees are substantial, most of them are discarded or incinerated, resulting in a significant waste of resources and environmental pollution concerns. Therefore, it has become necessary and urgent to recycle these branches. Compared with crop straw, apple tree pruning branches exhibit a relatively elevated lignin content, which makes them an optimal feedstock for generating high-quality pyrolysis gases. Energy yield can comprehensively measure the gas production and heat value of the pyrolysis gas. Herein, the effect of reaction conditions on the energy yield of the pyrolysis gas is systematically investigated. The single-factor experimental results show that the optimal conditions are 750 °C reaction temperature, 2 °C/min heating rate, and 120 min holding time. The central composite design test of the response surface establishes that temperature has the most impact, followed by heating rate and holding time. In addition, a regression model is constructed to predict the energy yield of the pyrolysis gas. The analysis of interactions between factors indicates that factors within the lower temperature zones, higher heating rate, and shorter holding time have a more significant influence on the energy yield. These findings provide crucial guidance for the efficient production of pyrolysis gas from apple tree branches.

Emerging pathogens and disease dynamics threatening avocado production in southern Türkiye

AbstractAvocado (Persea americana Milll.) holds a pivotal position in global fruit crops, contributing significantly to the economies of tropical and subtropical regions. However, the rising incidence of diseases poses a substantial risk to avocado production. This comprehensive study investigated the disease landscape in Antalya, the largest avocado cultivation area in the Türkiye. A survey of 2537 avocado trees across 11 regions from 2020 to 2021 revealed alarming disease incidences, particularly in the eastern regions of Gazipasa and Alanya. Dieback, branch canker, anthracnose, and soil-borne root rot were identified as the primary diseases affecting tree canopies, twigs, and branches. Morphological and molecular analyzes unveiled a spectrum of pathogens, with Colletotrichum gloeosporioides dominating in the Mediterranean region. Notably, Phytophthora cinnamomi emerged as a severe threat, causing root rot and decline in avocado trees. Fusarium solani and Fusarium oxysporum, known for their association with tropical fruit crops, were identified in the western parts of Antalya. Additionally, we have detected Neofusicoccum parvum, Lasiodiplodia theobromae, and Neopestalotiopsis rosae in collected samples from avocado trees. The identified pathogens exhibited varying levels of severity in branch canker and anthracnose on avocado branches and leaves. Furthermore, pathogenicity evaluations shed light on the potential of these pathogens to induce severe symptoms, emphasizing the urgency for effective control measures. The exploration of cultural and biological control strategies are crucial for mitigating the impact of branch canker, dieback, and anthracnose diseases, ensuring the sustainability of avocado cultivation in the region.

Molecular detection of piroplasms in domestic donkeys in Xinjiang, China.

Piroplasmosis is a common and prevalent tick-borne disease that affects equids. To determine the infection and molecular characteristics of the piroplasms in donkeys from Xinjiang, northwestern China, we undertook a cross sectional study by collecting representative samples across several counties within the region. A total of 344 blood samples were collected from adult domestic donkeys from 13 counties in Xinjiang. PCR was conducted to test for T. equi and B. caballi in the blood samples based on the equine merozoite antigen-1 (Ema-1) gene and the 48kDa rhoptry protein (BC48) gene, respectively. Sixteen blood samples tested positive for piroplasms and the overall infection rate was 4.7% (16/344). Seven of the 13 counties were positive for piroplasms. Among the 16 piroplasm-positive samples, 15 were singly infected with T. equi with an infection rate of 4.4% (15/344), and coinfection with T. equi and B. caballi was detected in one sample (0.3%, 1/344) from Wushi. Four T. equi sequence genotypes were identified and grouped into different branches of the evolutionary trees. These findings suggest that the infection rate of piroplasms is low in domestic donkeys in southern Xinjiang and that T. equi genotypes have a regional distribution.

Ancestral reproductive bias in continuous-time branching trees under various sampling schemes

Cheek and Johnston (JMB 86:70, 2023) consider a continuous-time Bienaymé-Galton-Watson tree conditioned on being alive at time T. They study the reproduction events along the ancestral lineage of an individual randomly sampled from all those alive at time T. We give a short proof of an extension of their main results (Cheek and Johnston in JMB 86:70, 2023, Theorems 2.3 and 2.4) to the more general case of Bellman-Harris processes. Our proof also sheds light onto the probabilistic structure of the rate of the reproduction events. A similar method will be applied to explain (i) the different ancestral reproduction bias appearing in work by Geiger (JAP 36:301–309, 1999) and (ii) the fact that the sampling rule considered by Chauvin et al. (SPA 39:117–130, 1991), (Theorem 1) leads to a time homogeneous process along the ancestral lineage.

First Report of Neofusicoccum parvum causing leaf spot on Camellia japonica in China.

Camellia japonica is an important garden landscape plant in southern China. In April 2022, leaf spot symptoms were observed at the camellia garden of Jiaying University (24°32'83″N, 17 116°12'31″E) in Meizhou city, Guangdong Province, China. The initial symptoms were grayish brown spots on the leaves, as the disease progressed, the lesions were enlarged and affected the whole leaf and eventually led to the loss of its ornamental value. The disease incidence was above 15%. Leaf pieces (5 × 5 mm) from 3 diseased Camellia leaves were sterilized in 75% ethanol for 1 min, then in 1% NaOCl for 1 min; and rinsed three times with sterile water. Leaf pieces were inoculated on potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium and incubated at 25 °C. Three days later, fungal colonies initially showed a white aerial mycelium, turning gray after 5 days, and dark gray after 7 days of incubation. Conidia were single-celled, hyaline, ellipsoidal and without septa. Dimensions of conidia (n≥50) were 14.27 to 20.65 × 4.28 to 6.56 μm. The morphological characteristics matched the genus Neofusicoccum (Pavlic et al. 2009). For molecular identification, the rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS1, 5.8S and ITS2) region, translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef1-α), and beta-tubulin (tub2) of a representative isolate SC6-2 were amplified using the primer pairs ITS1/ITS4, EF1/EF2 and BT2a/-BT2b, respectively (Golzar and Burgess，2011). The sequences obtained were deposited in GenBank (accession nos. PP064173, PP479650 and PP082457 for ITS, tef1-α and tub2, respectively). Nucleotide BLAST analysis showed a 99.81% homology with N. parvum (519/520 bp, OQ509869; 519/520 bp, KF294003; 518/519 bp KF293989) for ITS, 100% homology with N. parvum (398/398 bp, MN318108; 398/398 bp, MK294085; 398/398 bp, MH936021) for tub2, and >99% homology with N. parvum (259/259 bp, 100%, MW390561; 263/265 bp, 99.25%，MN175952; 263/265 bp, 99.25%, MK781982) for tef1-α. The combined phylogenetic analyses (ITS, tef1-α, and tub2) showed that the sequence of the tested isolate and the corresponding sequence of N. parvum (CMW9081, SHSJ1-2) in GenBank grouped in the same branch of the phylogenetic tree. Based on morphological characters, DNA sequencing, and the phylogenetic tree, it can be determined that the pathogen was Neofusicoccum parvum. Inoculation on Camellia leaves was performed to confirm pathogenicity. Nine healthy camellia leaves were pin-pricked with a sterile needle and inoculated with mycelial plugs of isolate SC6-2. Nine other healthy leaves were pin-pricked and inoculated with noncolonized PDA plugs as control leaves. The inoculated leaves were maintained on water agar solid medium at 25°C. To keep a high-humidity environment the inoculation sites were covered by moistened cotton for 2 days. The experiment was repeated three times. Five days after inoculation, all the inoculated leaves showed similar symptoms to those observed in the field, whereas control leaves were asymptomatic for 6 days. The fungal isolates recovered from inoculated leaves were morphologically identical to the N. parvum isolates originally recovered from symptomatic leaves collected in the field, fulfilling Koch's postulates. Neofusicoccum parvum is an aggressive pathogen that causes severe disease on important tree and woody species (Liddle et al. 2019). It has been reported that N. parvum can infect the leaves and branches of grapes (Otoya-Martinez et al. 2023), dieback on Camellia japonica (Pintos, et al. 2012), Brazilian pepperwood (Bertetti et al. 2022), mango (Giancarlo et al. 2023) and other plants. To our knowledge, this is the first report of N. parvum causing leaf spot on Camellia japonica in China.

Soft-tissue fossilization illuminates the stepwise evolution of the ray-finned fish brain

A complex brain is central to the success of backboned animals. However, direct evidence bearing on vertebrate brain evolution comes almost exclusively from extant species, leaving substantial knowledge gaps. Although rare, soft-tissue preservation in fossils can yield unique insights on patterns of neuroanatomical evolution. Paleontological evidence from an exceptionally preserved Pennsylvanian (∼318 Ma) actinopterygian, Coccocephalus, calls into question prior interpretations of ancestral actinopterygian brain conditions. However, the ordering and timing of major evolutionary innovations, such as an everted telencephalon, modified meningeal tissues, and hypothalamic inferior lobes, remain unclear. Here, we report two distinct actinopterygian morphotypes from the latest Carboniferous-earliest Permian (∼299 Ma) of Brazil that show extensive soft-tissue preservation of brains, cranial nerves, eyes, and potential cardiovascular tissues. These fossils corroborate inferences drawn from ✝Coccocephalus, while adding new information about neuroanatomical evolution. Skeletal features indicate that one of these Brazilian morphotypes is more closely related to living actinopterygians than the other, which is also reflected in soft-tissue features. Significantly, the more crownward morphotype shows a key neuroanatomical feature of extant actinopterygians-an everted telencephalon-that is absent in the other morphotype and ✝Coccocephalus. All preserved Paleozoic actinopterygian brains show broad similarities, including an invaginated cerebellum, hypothalamus inferior lobes, and a small forebrain. In each case, preserved brains are substantially smaller than the enclosing cranial chamber. The neuroanatomical similarities shared by this grade of Permo-Carboniferous actinopterygians reflect probable primitive conditions for actinopterygians, providing a revised model for interpreting brain evolution in a major branch of the vertebrate tree of life.

Alcohol formaldehyde resin solid acid catalytic conversion of biomass into furan compounds

The conversion of waste lignocellulosic biomass into biomass platform chemicals is very promising. In this work, a novel resin-based solid acid catalyst was obtained by condensation of furfuryl alcohol with furfural, and mild calcination and sulfonation process. Then it was used to convert sugars and biomass to obtain furan compounds. Results showed that the solid acid with a furfural to furfuryl alcohol molar ratio of 3:1 is an irregular mesoporous material, with a specific surface area of 134.18 m2/g and an acid content of 2.723 mmol/g, which is extremely stable below 200 °C. 82.2 % (from fructose), 15.8 % (from glucose), 10.0 % (from cellobiose) yields of 5-HMF and 35.5 % (from xylose) yield of furfural could be obtained at 160 °C for 2 h. It can be reused more than 5 times and can restore the best catalytic effect after re-sulfonation. Notably, in the catalytic conversion of rice husk, rice straw, camphor tree branch and leaves under typical reaction conditions, 5-HMF and furfural was in yields of 9.4–24.5 % and 20.3–47.9 %, respectively. Moreover, a 10 % water dropwise to solvent can effectively promote the catalytic conversion of biomass, while there is a significant inhibitory effect after it exceeds 20 %.

Accurate Recapitulation of Chikungunya Virus Complete Coding Sequence Phylogeny Using Variable Genome Regions for Genomic Surveillance.

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is transmitted by mosquito bites and causes chikungunya fever (CHIKF). CHIKV has a single-stranded RNA genome and belongs to a single serotype with three genotypes. The Asian lineage has recently emerged in the Western Hemisphere, likely due to travel-associated introduction. Genetic variation accumulates in the CHIKV genome as the virus replicates, creating new lineages. Whole genome sequencing is ideal for studying virus evolution and spread but is expensive and complex. This study investigated whether specific, highly variable regions of the CHIKV genome could recapitulate the phylogeny obtained with a complete coding sequence (CDS). Our results revealed that concatenated highly variable regions accurately reconstructed CHIKV phylogeny, exhibiting statistically indistinguishable branch lengths and tree confidence compared to CDS. In addition, these regions adequately inferred the evolutionary relationships among CHIKV isolates from the American outbreak with similar results to the CDS. This finding suggests that highly variable regions can effectively capture the evolutionary relationships among CHIKV isolates, offering a simpler approach for future studies. This approach could be particularly valuable for large-scale surveillance efforts.

Effects of soil relative water content on growth characteristics of Armillaria spp. and seedling production of Gastrodia elata f. glauca

The seedling survival rate, yield, and individual weight of Gastrodia elata is closely related to the soil relative water content(RWC) and the growth characteristics of the associated fungi Armillaria spp. This study explored the effects of the soil RWC on the growth characteristics of Armillaria spp. and the seedling production of G. elata f. glauca, aiming to provide guidance for breeding G. elata f. glauca and selecting elite strains of Armillaria. According to the growth characteristics on the medium for activation, thirty strains of Armillaria were classified into 4 clusters. Two strains with good growth indicators were selected from each cluster and cultiva-ted with immature tuber(Mima) and the branches of the broad-leaved trees in a water-controlled box. The results showed that the Armillaria clusters with uniaxial branches of rhizoid cords, such as clusters Ⅲ and Ⅳ, were excellent clusters in symbiosis with G. elata f. glauca. The soil RWC had significant effects on the growth characteristics of Armillaria strains and the seedling survival rate, yield, and individual weight of G. elata f. glauca. The growth characteristics of Armillaria strains and the seedling survival rate, yield, and individual weight of G. elata f. glauca in the case of the soil RWC being 75% were significantly better than those in the case of other soil RWC. Cultivating Mima with elite strains of Armillaria, together with branches of broad-leaved trees, in the greenhouses with the artificial control of the soil RWC, can achieve efficient seedling production and Mima utilization of G. elata f. glauca.

Leader Bagging Improves Lateral Branching and Cropping Potential of ‘Gala’ and ‘WA 38’ Apple during Orchard Establishment

Inadequate lateral branch development can lead to decreased apple (Malus ×domestica Borkh.) orchard productivity and profitability in modern high-density orchard systems. Although plant growth regulator applications are used to increase lateral branching on leaders of young apple trees, inconsistent responses have been observed in the southeastern United States. In North Carolina and Washington, three experiments were conducted to identify effective leader management strategies to increase lateral branching. Effects and interactions of leader bagging, 6-benzyladenine (6-BA), and 6-BA + gibberellic acid (GA4+7) on lateral branch development of 1-year-old leaders were evaluated. Across all experiments, leader bagging was an influential factor. When compared with unbagged trees, leader bagging increased lateral branch number (20% to 48%), number of feathers (74% to 125%), average branch length (28% to 34%), and total linear bearing surface (428%) of the treated section of the leader. Blossom cluster density and final fruit set were increased in bagged trees, 65% and 36%, respectively. At the rates and timings tested, 6-BA and 6-BA + GA4+7 were generally ineffective in stimulating lateral branching and interactions among the factors evaluated were not influential. Leader bagging was an effective lateral branch induction strategy, although the mechanism of action is poorly understood. Future research to characterize the bagged environment and/or physiological responses to bagging may aid in the development of future environmentally sustainable technologies to stimulate lateral branching of apple trees.

Colletotrichum species associated with atemoya anthracnose in northeast Brazil

Anthracnose, caused by Colletotrichum spp., is an important disease of atemoya that can infect and cause damage to different plant organs. The symptoms include foliar anthracnose, flower abortion, branch tip bleaching, and necrotic lesions on fruits. Knowing the etiology of this disease is essential for properly developing management strategies. Therefore, this study aimed to identify Colletotrichum species associated with atemoya in the Northeast region of Brazil, based on multi-locus phylogeny and morphological analyses, to better understand the etiology of anthracnose in this plant species. The Colletotrichum isolates were obtained from symptomatic leaves and branches of atemoya collected in commercial fields in Vitória da Conquista (Bahia), Palmeira dos Índios and Rio Largo (Alagoas), located in northeast Brazil. The initial analysis of the partial sequences of the GAPDH gene was performed with nineteen Colletotrichum isolates obtained from leaves and branches of atemoya trees with typical anthracnose symptoms. Seventeen isolates were grouped in the gloeosporioides complex and two in the boninense complex. Therefore, eleven isolates were submitted to concatenated phylogenetic analyses with the genes GAPDH, TUB2, and ITS region of the rDNA to confirm the identity of the isolates at the species level. The species C. theobromicola, C. siamense, C. fructicola and C. karstii were identified and are associated with atemoya anthracnose in the Northeast region of Brazil.

Near Field Scatter from a Body of Revolution

Better understanding of electromagnetic wave propagation through vegetation and forest environments can be achieved with the aid of modeling and simulation. Specifically, modeling the coherent summation of electromagnetic waves due to both single scatter and multi-scatter effects. To accurately perform simulations in lower frequency bands, S-band and below, the Body of Revolution (BOR) Method of Moments (MoM) must be extended to calculate the scattered electric and magnetic near-fields from BOR in the presence of a plane wave. The near field interactions specifically occur during the various higher order scattering harmonics, i.e. 2nd order and greater harmonics. Additionally, the method must accurately capture scattered fields in the presence of a non-plane wave incident upon BOR. The focus of this study is modeling lossy dielectric BOR that are characteristic of vegetation and forest environments, e.g., cylinders representing tree branches. Although the formal electric and magnetic field scattering definitions are known, this report presents analytical formulations of near field scattering from BOR for this implementation of BOR-MoM. The scattered-field extensions are validated using the commercial software FEKO©, which simulates electromagnetic-wave scattering in 3D using MoM formulation of scattered fields.

Biodegradable Waste Management in Georgia: Problems of the Composting System Introduction

Biodegradable waste management and, in particular, the introduction and implementation of composting systems are among the major problems for Georgia. An increase in the volume of municipal waste has been recorded in the country; therefore, the volume of generated biodegradable waste is also increasing. In accordance with the National Waste Management Strategy 2016-2030 of Georgia, the municipal waste generated in 2021 amounted to 1,104,952 tons. It is worth noting that the largest part of municipal waste is organic waste - 54.7%, while plastic waste is 13.8%, paper and cardboard - 10.6%, textiles - 4.1%, and other wastes. According to various studies, by 2030, waste generation is expected to increase from 0.6% to 1.2% annually, which should be the cause of significant challenges for national and local authorities, especially local municipalities, whose duties include municipal waste collection and transportation as well as the implementation of separate waste collection systems. Biodegradable waste management, including various composting systems, is of particular importance.The study shows that composting, as one of the best approaches for recycling biodegradable waste, is still not properly developed in Georgia. It is possible to name only a few successful experiences. Noteworthy among them is the Kutaisi Composting Center, which was established within the framework of the EU JOP “Black Sea Basin” in Kutaisi, Georgia. The Composting Center is designed for windrow composting of green waste (tree branches, leaves, grass). Its productivity is 2000 tons of compost annually. This Composting Center is one of the first in Georgia. It can bring very tangible benefits. In particular, the amount of municipal waste going to landfill sites was reduced by approximately 10%; the expenditures of the municipalities connected to the maintenance of green facilities (received compost is used) and so on have been reduced.Among the biodegradable waste composting approaches, it is recommended to use systems such as:Centralized composting,Community composting,Home (individual) composting.A centralized composting method can be used in municipalities where a large amount of biodegradable waste is generated. It is especially favorable in regions where the agricultural sector is developed and large amounts of green waste are generated. The Kutaisi Composting Center is a good example of the centralized composting system. As experience shows, such large-scale composting is particularly effective for green waste composting.It is promising for Georgia to introduce community composting approaches that offer an optimal scheme for communities to get the maximum benefits of their potential.Composting is an approach used in the field of biodegradable waste management that has the greatest potential in Georgia and can make a significant contribution to both economic development and the protection of the social and natural environment.

Contribution to knowledge of the oribatid mite genus Idiozetes (Acari, Oribatida, Idiozetidae), with description of a new sexually dimorphic species from Vietnam

A new species of Idiozetes (Oribatida, Idiozetidae)—I. schusteri sp. n.—is described, based on adults (males and females) collected from litter, tree branches and tree bark in southern Vietnam. This species is characterized by the following morphological traits: sexually dimorphic males with two large tubercles posteriorly on the notogaster; tutoria fused dorsally on prodorsum forming bidentate structure; nine pairs of notogastral setae (c, la, lm, h<sub>1</sub>–h<sub>3</sub>, p<sub>1</sub>–p<sub>3</sub>); five pairs of notogastral saccules; eight pairs of genital setae; monodactylous. The generic diagnosis is revised. An identification key, distribution and habitats to the known representatives of Idiozetes are provided.

Acute Corneal Hydrops Following Contusive Ocular Trauma by a Tree Branch in a Child: A Case Report

Acute Corneal Hydrops Following Contusive Ocular Trauma by a Tree Branch in a Child: A Case Report